Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Gambia Protests Erupt Over Prolonged Power Cuts Before Election
People in The Gambia protested because their electricity kept going off.
Some residents said the blackouts lasted as long as two days.
Protesters burned tyres, built roadblocks and shouted that President Adama Barrow should leave office.
Police used tear gas to break up some of the crowds.
Demonstrations happened in several places, including near the president’s home.
The electricity company said very hot weather increased demand for power.
It also said a technical problem affected an important generating unit.
The protests happened before a presidential election expected in December.
Protesters burned tyres and erected barricades in and around Banjul over prolonged electricity outages.
Police used tear gas to disperse crowds, including near President Adama Barrow’s official residence.
Residents reported blackouts lasting up to 48 hours in some areas.
Protests also occurred in Farato, where demonstrators gathered near the vice president’s residence and damaged ruling-party banners.
The National Water and Electricity Company attributed the crisis to high temperatures, increased demand and a technical incident.
- Who
- Residents and protesters in The Gambia; police; President Adama Barrow; and the National Water and Electricity Company Ltd.
- What
- Protests and tyre burnings over prolonged electricity outages, with police using tear gas to disperse crowds.
- When
- Overnight before September 8, with further developments on Tuesday morning.
- Where
- Banjul and surrounding areas, including Farato.
- Why
- Protesters were denouncing prolonged power cuts; the utility cited high temperatures, increased demand and a technical incident.
Protesters’ concerns
Utility and government explanation
Cause of the power crisis
Protesters’ concerns
Protesters and residents blamed the government for prolonged blackouts and demanded political change, with some chanting “Barrow must go!”
Utility and government explanation
NAWEC said high temperatures caused an unforeseen surge in electricity demand and that a technical incident affected one of the major power-generating units.
Political accountability
Protesters’ concerns
Demonstrators expressed growing frustration with President Adama Barrow’s government and targeted locations linked to senior officials and the ruling party.
Utility and government explanation
The government’s announced response included President Barrow’s planned visit to utility facilities and a televised address, while the police dispersed protesters.
- Reported outage duration
- Up to 48 hours in some areas
- Police response
- Tear gas was used to disperse protesters
- Protest locations
- Banjul, areas near the president’s residence, and Farato
- Utility
- National Water and Electricity Company Ltd (NAWEC)
- Utility explanation
- NAWEC cited an unforeseen surge in demand during a hot period and a technical incident affecting a major power-generating unit
- Political context
- A presidential election is expected in December, with Barrow seeking a third term
- Planned government response
- President Barrow was scheduled to visit utility facilities and address the nation